August 28, 2023 – With a heavy heart, we here at International Mountain Guides are announcing the early conclusion of our Mt Rainier climbing season. Due to the unseasonably warm temperatures, we have observed an acceleration of glacier deterioration that has left the route unsuitable for our climbers. IMG guides put in a concerted effort last week and were able to connect a route from the Ingraham Flats to the summit, a task yet uncompleted by any other climbers since August 12th. The IMG guides were the first summiters in weeks, and credit is due to these hard working guides for finding a path to the top.
Mt Rainier from near Panorama Point (Harry Hamlin)
Despite finding a viable way to the summit suitable for a slim number of climbers, IMG didn’t feel as though this route would be suitable for the large majority of our climbers and has decided to halt operations on the upper mountain for the remainder of the season.We thank all our customers affected by this change for bearing with us in these uncommon times.
IMG Guides on Mt Rainier August 22 (Porter McMichael)
While this premature end to the season weighs heavy on everyone here at IMG, we want to thank our 2023 customers who were able to join us for successful programs this summer. Our stellar guides were able to assist many of our customers in achieving their climbing dreams this summer, and IMG had a summit rate well over 90%.
The 2023 Summit Mt Rainier Summit Board
While our Rainier season may be drawing to a close, our Mt Baker and North Cascades programs are still in full swing, with many of our South American programs right around the corner. Stay tuned for more!